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Digital Signature – Analysis under IT Law  1. Introduction In today’s digital era, most contracts, records, and transactions happen online. To prevent fraud, forgery, and denial , the law recognizes digital signatures as the electronic substitute for handwritten signatures . The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) provides the legal framework. 👉 Definition: Section 2(1)(p), IT Act, 2000 – “Digital signature means authentication of any electronic record by a subscriber using an electronic method or procedure in accordance with Section 3.” 2. Need for Digital Signature Authentication → Confirms the signer’s identity. Integrity → Ensures document not altered after signing. Non-repudiation → Signer cannot later deny signing. Legal Validity → Recognized under law (Section 5). 3. Legal Provisions in IT Act, 2000 Section 3 – Authentication of electronic records with digital signature (asymmetric cryptosystem + hash function). Section 3A – Broader re...